17739, Jersey Mills, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17739, Jersey Mills, Pennsylvania is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17739 has some form of health insurance. 62.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.89 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 17739 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17739. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 14 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 588 health care providers accessible to residents in 17739, Jersey Mills, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on the quality of COPD care and primary care accessibility within the Jersey Mills, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17739) area. This is a complex evaluation, considering the rural nature of the region and its potential impact on healthcare access. A comprehensive ‘COPD Score’ is not a standardized metric, but this analysis will create a framework to assess the situation based on available data and reasonable assumptions.

The core of this evaluation involves understanding the physician landscape. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. In a rural setting, this ratio can be significantly lower than in urban areas, meaning fewer doctors are available to serve a larger population. Finding precise physician counts for Jersey Mills is difficult without access to proprietary databases. Publicly available data, like the US Census Bureau and the Area Health Resources Files (AHRF), can provide population estimates and county-level physician data. This information, while not perfectly granular, can be used to estimate the physician-to-patient ratio for Lycoming County, where Jersey Mills is located. The score will be impacted by the estimated ratio. A lower ratio will negatively affect the score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the type of physicians available is crucial. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the gatekeepers of healthcare, managing chronic conditions like COPD. The availability of pulmonologists, specialists specifically trained in lung diseases, is also vital. Their presence, or lack thereof, significantly influences the quality of COPD care. The analysis will assess the proximity of specialists to Jersey Mills. Driving distances and travel times will be factored into the score. Long travel times will negatively affect the score.

Identifying standout practices requires more in-depth research. This involves examining practice websites, online reviews, and potentially contacting local hospitals or healthcare systems. The analysis will look for practices that explicitly mention COPD management, offer comprehensive services (like pulmonary function testing), and demonstrate a commitment to patient education. Practices with positive patient reviews and a focus on chronic disease management will positively influence the score. The presence of a practice offering specialized COPD programs would significantly boost the score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. It can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and follow-up care. The analysis will evaluate the availability of telemedicine services within Jersey Mills practices. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual support groups will receive higher scores. The absence of telemedicine capabilities will negatively impact the score.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of COPD care. The chronic nature of the disease can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within the Jersey Mills area. This includes access to psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups. The presence of integrated mental health services within primary care practices or readily accessible mental health providers in the community will positively impact the score. Limited access to mental health resources will negatively affect the score.

The ‘COPD Score’ will be a composite of these factors. It is not a single number but a nuanced assessment. The score will be weighted based on the importance of each factor. Physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of specialists will carry significant weight. Telemedicine adoption and mental health resources will also be important. The presence of standout practices will provide a positive boost.

The analysis will consider the challenges of providing healthcare in a rural setting. These include limited access to specialists, longer travel times, and potential workforce shortages. The score will reflect these realities, acknowledging that providing excellent care in a rural area may require innovative solutions and a commitment to overcoming geographical barriers.

The analysis will also consider the potential impact of socioeconomic factors. Poverty, lack of transportation, and limited health literacy can all negatively affect COPD management. While a detailed analysis of these factors is beyond the scope of this assessment, their potential influence on healthcare access and outcomes will be acknowledged. The score will be adjusted to reflect the potential challenges faced by patients in the Jersey Mills area.

Specific examples of how practices can improve their ‘COPD Score’ include:
* **Enhancing Telemedicine Capabilities:** Implementing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and patient education programs.
* **Expanding Mental Health Services:** Integrating mental health screenings and referrals into primary care, or partnering with local mental health providers.
* **Improving Patient Education:** Offering COPD education classes, providing written materials, and utilizing online resources.
* **Promoting Early Diagnosis:** Implementing COPD screening programs and encouraging patients to seek early medical attention.
* **Improving Communication:** Utilizing patient portals and other communication tools to facilitate interaction between patients and providers.

The ‘COPD Score’ for doctors in ZIP Code 17739, and the primary care availability in Jersey Mills, is thus a complex evaluation. It is not a static measure, but a snapshot in time, reflecting the current state of healthcare resources and the challenges faced by patients with COPD. The score will be a tool to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for better healthcare access in this rural community.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Jersey Mills and surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare resources, explore the power of location-based insights with CartoChrome maps.